Vehicle: Audi RS6, Lotus Elan +2, TVR 2500M, BMW 325ix
Location: China Grove,NC
Posts: 4
Looking to buy questions
I am looking to buy for my son a 91' 190 2.6 w/5speed. This is the second time that I have driven a 2.6 powered MB. The first a 300E that a friend had. I have owned both a W210 3.2 and W203 Komp. My question is the 2.6 powered cars seem to be lacking both Hp and torque and very slow, is this typical for this engine. What can be done to improve this? what are typical mpg's? Would the 2.3 be a better option? What are typical things to look out for on this model?
Are you speaking of an automatic transmission or manual?
As far as speed goes with the 2.6 automatic, it's fast enough. Speed is a relative factor.
From a stopped position in relation to other cars of other makes, I find my 2.6 will keep up with most cars.
My 2.6 cruises best around 75 or 80 mph with plenty of passing power with between 20-27 miles per gallon of premium.
These entry level Mercedes were not meant to be muscle cars. They were meant to be driven by young executives who carry brief cases and wear horned-rim glasses and who are taking care of business. They were not meant to be driven by teenagers who like to spin the wheels from a dead stop on their way to a beach party or a party in a gravel pit.
The 2.3 owners on this forum can give you advice, but remember that the 2.6 has the same chassis as the 2.3. Mercedes improved the 2.3 by adding a 2.6L engine in the same space occupied by the 2.3. Both require dedicated maintenance.
Vehicle: Audi RS6, Lotus Elan +2, TVR 2500M, BMW 325ix
Location: China Grove,NC
Posts: 4
5 speed manual. I was not asking about "driven by teenagers who like to spin the wheels from a dead stop on their way to a beach party or a party in a gravel pit." I was asking as to the relation to other gas MB's as to how the 2.6 felt sluggish and flat with no mid range pull.
Also, as far as maintenance I am aware of the typical, I was looking as to if their is any thing prone to fail. I am aware of the head gasket, engine wireing harness issues of the early/mid 90's for most MB's.
I think what drcharles was trying to say is that the W201 series were not designed to have "snap your neck acceleration" but instead were designed to cruise the autobahn effortlessly at over 100 mph. I don't know about the 2.6 you drove, but mine seems to accelerate fast enough for me, especially if you engage first gear start. And once it hits seconds gear it really takes off.
Also back when the 201 series was made, MBZ was known for making slightly underpowered cars.
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1989 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Diamond Blue Metallic
Alpine CDA-9883 w/iPod interface, paired w/Alpine Type S speakers, Alpine 4 channel amp,Euro lights/Smoked Corners, Red Smoked taillights
Vehicle: Audi RS6, Lotus Elan +2, TVR 2500M, BMW 325ix
Location: China Grove,NC
Posts: 4
The 190E that I drove has 190K 5 speed and asking $3,000. over all has been well taken care of no smoke/ oil leaks ( many new parts). Even with the maunal it did not feel to have any real power at any rpm, kind of flat. Could this be enidence of engine issues?
a bit of a hijack,
there is a "2.3-16" for sale in town, but it has a 300E (24v) engine, why the fuck does someone do that?
There was probably either an expensive problem with the 102.983 engine, or it's a 16 valve bodykit installed on a 2.6L chassis that had a transplant. If it's the car I'm thinking of, then the answer is that it's a 16 valve that threw a rod and the previous owner tried to set it on fire to collect insurance. The subsequent buyer of the wreck did the transplant.
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